Health

Regulation of interleukin 8 production in the term human placenta during labor and by antigestagens

Article Abstract:

Interleukin-8 appears to play a role in labor. This immune system protein is produced by many cells and attracts and activates white blood cells called neutrophils. Researchers tested placentas taken from five pregnant women after childbirth for the presence of interleukin-8. It was found in all samples. The production of interleukin-8 by the placental samples was increased by chemicals that inhibit progesterone. Neutrophils are known to secrete an enzyme called collagenase, which breaks down collagen and leads to softening of the cervix.

Gene expression profiling of mid to late secretory phase endometrial biopsies from women with menstrual complaint

Article Abstract:

Human endometrium is investigated by using a quantitative high-throughput molecular screen and the molecular diagnostic tools are developed for the identification of therapeutic targets in women with menstrual complaints. The results have shown that the endometrium, a complex heterogeneous tissue, is amenable to high-throughput molecular analyses and has provided a foundation for the future development of multi-parameter molecular diagnostics with clinical utility.